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Perryton ISD approves Region 16 interlocal agreement to add redundant fiber loop for internet reliability
Summary
Trustees approved joining Region 16’s interlocal internet consortium, citing improved reliability for online testing and an estimated 80% e-rate discount that will reduce the district’s share of costs.
The Perryton ISD Board of Trustees voted to join an interlocal agreement with Region 16 to participate in a redundant fiber network intended to improve internet reliability across Panhandle school districts.
A district staff member described the Region 16 project as a series of loops so that if a cut occurs at one point the network can route traffic the other way, reducing outages. The staff member said participation is designed to improve both bandwidth and reliability — important for online state testing and everyday instructional needs.
The staff member told trustees the consortium qualifies for federal funding and e-rate discounts; the discount discussed in the meeting was roughly 80%. A pre-discount monthly cost figure discussed during the meeting was approximately $5,700; with the cited discount level trustees noted the district share would be substantially lower, with board discussion estimating the district portion at less than $20,000 per year.
Board members said Region 16 had been building the loop for several years and that some of the initial network was built with local district cooperation. The interlocal agreement is intended to formalize participation and help the consortium qualify for federal grant funds that do not cover 100% of project costs.
A trustee moved to adopt the resolution to join the Region 16 consortium; the motion carried 6–0. Trustees directed technology staff to finalize the interlocal agreement and return with an implementation timeline and cost breakdown.
Ending
Trustees approved the resolution and the meeting record shows the board expects staff to complete contract finalization and report back with specifics on deployment and exact recurring costs.
